In-Depth: Kalani Sitake On Being A ‘True Senior’; Wilson’s Receivers
Jul 2, 2019, 9:31 AM | Updated: 1:32 pm
BOISE, ID - DECEMBER 21: Quarterback Zach Wilson #11(MVP) and Head Coach Kalani Sitake of the BYU Cougars celebrate during the awards ceremony at the conclusion of the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on December 21, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. BYU won the game 49-18. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Kalani Sitake doesn’t care about himself or his contract as the four-year mark looms. In an interview with Jeremiah Jensen of Sportsbeat, he said he is in it for Cougar players and fans. That’s it.
“I’m just focused on the players and getting this team ready. I don’t care about myself. Give me a day-to-day contract, it doesn’t matter,” said Sitake.
You could say Sitake is a true senior. His four-year contract began in 2016. Brigham Young University athletic director Tom Holmoe said the contract is “not an issue” during a Q&A with local media.
During his first three years leading the Cougars Sitake holds a 20-19 record.
“My goal is to help them (the team) achieve their dreams,” Sitake said.
Freshman Phenom Zach Wilson
One of Sitake’s big wins as head coach was landing Utah native quarterback Zach Wilson.
Wilson was a key part of the Cougars offense last season. He played in eight games and started six.
The rookie quarterback threw for 1,578 yards with 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Cougar fans have high hopes for the offense in the upcoming season thanks to Wilson.
When asked what impressed Sitake most about Wilson he said, “First off it came in the recruiting process, he was very upfront and takes care of business.”
Sitake recalled seeing Wilson when he was “just a kid” and Sitake was still with Utah. He knew then there was something special about the young Corner Canyon quarterback.
"I expect a lot out of myself. I don't care about what other people think, I don't listen to what other people think." Zach Wilson is confident that he'll have a big season in 2019. #BYUMediaDay pic.twitter.com/pEio1AtXq5
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) June 18, 2019
Does Wilson Have The Tools
When asked if Wilson has the weapons (receiving core) he needs to be successful Sitake answered – “yeah, I think so.”
“When you look at the quarterbacks who have played here in the past I don’t think you really remember a lot of their targets,” Sitake said, “they were all just guys who did their job.”
Sitake said all they need is a quarterback who can hit the target and guys who are capable of catching the ball.
“We really feel good about the talent we have at the receiver position, tight end and running back,” he said.
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The Schedule
It’s no secret the Cougars face a challenging schedule. Their first game against their biggest rival, the University of Utah followed by matchups against Tennesse, USC and Washington. The head coach said that only makes him feel excited.
“Before I got the job, when I looked at the schedule and the types of teams they were playing I told Tom, “keep ’em coming,” said Sitake.
BYU RELEASES 2019 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
➡️ https://t.co/WaH5YaqSX6#BYUFOOTBALL #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/uF86grrDTw
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) January 30, 2019
He called on Pat Hill, former Fresno State head coach, who is quoted as saying that he would play “anyone, anywhere, anytime.”
Watch the full interview with Sitake below.
